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NETWORK / 22 / SEpTEmbER 2017 D enise Massey, man- aging director of the Energy Innovation Centre, highlights the "surge in first- time entrants" for this year's UK Energy Innovation awards, which take place in Liverpool this month. "This year's awards shortlist is diverse," she says. "A lot of this year's nominees are new to the centre (EIC)." Massey notes that the distribution networks and the technologies they employ are evolving as the transition from DNO to DSO takes place. The networks are becoming more transparent, and working more closely with other stake- holders such as local authori- ties, planners and third party technology suppliers, she says.. Measuring innovation As a result of the first round of RIIO, all networks now have some level of innovation meas- urement in place, putting them ahead of the curve globally. As Massey explains, only 22% of FTSE 100 companies have implemented innovation meas- urement processes and proce- dures. "This suggests that the UK energy sector as a whole, as a consequence of regulation, is a global market leader in terms of its approach to innovation, as 100% of network businesses have adopted some form of measurement. We should be proud that all of the distribution networks recognise this ap- proach is important – although there is a lot of work still to do." Networks are already looking to RIIO 2 and what it might mean for them and energy customers, she adds. Massey says the next round of network regulation should focus on the positive environ- mental and social outcomes innovation can realise for energy customers, as well as the economic returns for networks."The implementa- tion of new technologies across the networks can bring about tangible benefits for real people, including vulnerable customers and those who are trapped in fuel poverty. Recognising – and measuring – this approach is so important." Mixed landscape for funding The funding landscape in the UK is complex and may not always support collaboration and innovation. The availabil- ity of funding, and the focus of funding programmes, is not always conducive to fostering innovation. "I think public programmes shi" in emphasis, EIC & AwArds Innovation nation Network talks to Denise Massey of the Energy Innovation Centre about regulation, innovation and this year's EIC awards. BEST ELECTRICITY NETWORK IMPROVEMENT l Acutest and Kelvatek supported by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks l Hjatland Housing Association, Strathclyde University, Dimplex, SandC and SGS supported by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks l Nm Group l point 4 l powerline Technologies BEST GAS NETWORK IMPROVEMENT l Controlpoint supported by Northern Gas Networks l Nuflow Technologies supported by Cadent l Sensit Technologies supported by Cadent l Steve Vick International supported by Wales and West Utilities l Synthotech supported by Cadent l Tellus Utilities BEST INNOVATION IMPLEMENTED BY OR ADOPTED BY A UTILITY CONTRACTOR l Awesense l Controlpoint l point4 l Team Furmanite l Western Gas Alliance (Amec & morrison Utility Services supported by Wales and West Utilities) BEST INNOVATION CONTRIBUTING TO CUSTOMER QUALITY AND RELIABILITY OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY l Acutest and Kelvatek supported by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks l Capula supported by COpA- DATA l Community Energy Scotland supported by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks l eSmart Systems UK l Flywheel Energy l mprest l point 4 BEST INNOVATION CONTRIBUTING TO CUSTOMER QUALITY AND RELIABILITY OF GAS SUPPLY l ALH Systems l business Navigators supported by Wales and West Utilities l Advanced Valve Technologies l OptoSci l mbW Europe l Synthotech l Synthotech supported by Northern Gas Networks BEST OFFSHORE RENEWABLES INNOVATION l Cyberhawk Innovations l Hydro Energy and Technologies l marco plano l Synaptec BEST SAFETY IMPROVEMENT l Sensit Technologies supported by Cadent l Cyberhawk Innovations l Open Grid Systems supported by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks l Acutest and Kelvatek supported by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks l Steve Vick International supported by Wales and West Utilities l Vehicle Weighing Solutions l Wearable Technologies T h e e I C AwA r d s s h o rT l I s T I n f u l l T H E E I C AWA R D S S H O RT L I S T I N F U L L